fourthdownsports

[fourthdownsports]

We recap the Championship round the XFL is back and compare NFL rappers to NBA rappers

[fourthdownsports]

Joey Cool Your Jets and the plight of the Steelers Divisional round. Also, Ivan makes his Championship round predictions

[fourthdownsports]

#stlrnation- the end.

Well, that was terrible. I knew this was going to happen. Buffalo, fuck you guys for putting us in this spot. Really wish Heeea—oh-Jesseeeee would have made that catch…After high hopes of a rematch against the mighty Patriots where Ben was to exact his revenge on the evil empire. Jesse was to make the catch, and Tomlin is to declare he’s ready for that ass again, the Steelers overlooked an opponent that proved to be too much to handle.

We all know the story, but let’s re-hash just to pour some salt in your freshly opened wounds:

The Steelers came in unprepared, watching the Jaguars take an early lead in the game. For some reason, the crowd did not feel alive. Not a very Heinz field playoff vibe, it appeared Steeler Nation as a whole was overlooking this one. The team and crowd finally woke up near halftime, cutting the lead down to 28-14 by the break. The team looked hopeless, and this game just had the feel of something about to go horribly wrong, and that it did. While the Steelers mounted comeback after comeback, it was two 4th-and-1 play calls in Field Goal Range combined with a horribly called onside kick that is leading to many questioning the coaching staff. While speculation of coaching turnover looms, the Steelers will be watching the next 2 playoff games from the sidelines thanks to the play calling itself, which is a fucking shame.

We should have been there. What a storyline it would have been, Ben possibly retiring Brady, overcoming the team he can never get past and transitioning into the AFC’s top QB. But now we’re here. In the pit of misery. Dilly fucking dilly.

So how did we get here, you ask? Let’s examine some lingering issues that need addressed.

I’ll let you all imagine the possible scenarios that play out, as there are many calling for Tomlin’s head, Haley’s neck, Butler’s appendage, etc….slow down..

Let’s just step back and focus on the present details:

Speculation is Ben will be back for 3 more years (!), Bryant wants to play with Ben once more, and Bell may be sitting out if he is franchised. The Steelers are re-signing some of their current free agents and the team is already gearing up for a promising 2018 campaign. While I really thought this was the year we’d exact revenge upon Tom Brady, I feel like his time may just pass by and we never get our chance, and Ben can take his rightful throne atop the AFC’s quarterbacks.

The thought of this possibility combined with Ben playing 3 more years makes me think we may be on the road to #7 as well as a possible #8. I’d also bet Todd Haley won’t be returning. If Ben’s playing 3 years, I’d doubt he’d want to commit with this asshole on the sidelines. Between Haley’s rift with Ben, the infamous bar fight (I bet he got his ass kicked), and the shoddy playcalling last week, Haley has to be on the chopping block. Couple that with Offensive line coach Mike Munchak  reportedly turning down the HC job with the Cards, signs point to the Steelers making some moves including Munch in the fold. Hopefully as the OC, with our offensive line’s production, the old OL coach would be great to progress the Steelers smashmouth running game even further. Bell may want to stick around despite the franchise tag, as this line and running game has come a long way since the Mendenhall years.

As far as the defense goes, I honestly cannot blame the scheme. An apparent lack of preparation and focus which allowed BLAKE FUCKING BORTLES to throw all over us is unacceptable though. I am not sure who’s to blame, but the D needs to get it together next year. Bud Dupree, step your game up. We obviously need to fill a huge hole at MLB with Shazier’s injury, but the Linebacking corps looked completely unprepared to handle the Jags running attack. In a city where linebackers are paramount and drafted highly, we’ve failed to hit multiple times and need help inside. Kinda makes you miss Lawrence Timmons, doesn’t it? We have talent in some key spots, but is it enough to get us over the hump? Depth is needed and some spots need players to mature.And finally, the Steelers need to find answers in the secondary as well. Joe Haden looks good enough, Burns can hold it down, but the Safety’s are suspect and their mentality needs to change. Big hits are great, but it gets kind of old seeing a horribly blown coverage from Mitchell where a player burns him.

So whos to blame for the Defensive woes? That remains to be seen.  Coach Peezey and Lake could be swimming together down the Monongahela  out of town( get the reference? Joey Porters TD celebration 2 years ago….). I think Butler’s on thin ice, but the likelihood of his departure is far less than the others. I’d bet on some sort of coaching turnover on D, but not as drastic as the offense.

I am looking forward to 2018’s iteration of this team. 2017 will be looked upon as a failure by many with such high expectations and an awesome 13-3 record leading to this sad ending. Hopefully the season also as a stepping stone toward something great. Only time will tell.

As for now, to anyone but the Pats I say #herewego. Hopefully you do what the Steelers didn’t get the chance to this year.

[fourthdownsports]

Wildcard weekend recap and thoughts about the Browns parade

[fourthdownsports]

#stlrnation- Back from the break

Stlrnation, we are back. It’s been busy and I haven’t had much time to write, so let’s just title the hiatus the Holday Break. Sounds catchy, let’s hope it catches on nationwide.

After the loss to the Patriots the Steelers went on to win against the Houston Texans as expected, 34-6 on Christmas Day. I’ll admit, Christmas Day games are really hard to pay attention to. You always have family events going on, and there are also some really good NBA games on. The NBA has been synonymous with Christmas in our house, as the Lebron-era Cavs always seem to play a rival. Personally, I think the NBA should hold stake to the Christmas holiday and start their season with a bang of rivalry games, on a holiday where watching TV is the American way America’s game actually plays second fiddle. But back to the Steelers..( I have to watch because I’m sick in the head) here’s your summary:

Le’veon Bell had a great game

Joe Haden returned

The D held Houston to 6 points and 227 total yards

Artie Burns picked off TJ Yates

JuJu shone as bright as the North Star (is that the Christmas star, Griz?)

Speaking of the star analogy, Juju Smith-Schuster was the shining star in both holiday games. The very next week, on New Years Eve, Juju shone bright with both receiving and punt return TD’s. In a game where most of the starters were benched and the defense got some needed reps, we went on to defeat the Cleveland Browns 28-2. And just as the ball drops on new years eve, Corey Coleman dropped a ball of his own, becoming next Cleveland Curse victim. Coleman dropped a red-zone pass on fourth down that hit him dead in the hands, a play that would have secured the first down.That very first down could have lead to a game winning TD drive, secured a 1-15 record, saved the team an embarrassing winless parade, and saved Hue Jackson from hypothermia in frozen Lake Erie. But he dropped the ball, just as tradition every New Years Eve and the Browns are officially winless.

Each win was another layer of polish on a shiny divisional title, which includes a 13-3 record and a first round playoff bye. And speaking of first round byes, how about the other team that has a first round bye, you know who they are..

Stealing James Harrison eh New England? And week 1 has 2 sacks, one being a strip-sack and a tackle in limited time. Thanks dude. Thanks for leaving a team with a slightly lesser chance at an AFC title for the perennial favorites. I understand we “cut him”, however, speculation is that Harrison was unwilling to travel to Houston in week 16 due to lack of playing time so we made the cut. He was not attentive in meetings and apparently lacked some teammate skills. 

Nice to see this reciprocated by the Patriots last week, as shown by the image of his new teammates, linked arm-in-arm during the national anthem with Harrison standing alone behind him. Have fun in New England, asshole. Of all the teams you chose, I really hope this bites you in the ass. Eat Shit James, and go (insert Pats divisional round opponent’s names here).

As far as this weeks games go, none other than the Cincinnati Bengals gifted the Steelers a late present, by defeating the Ravens in a 31-27 nail biter. The game ended with the Bengals picking off Joe Flacco and saving Marvin Lewis’ job for another 2 years. It was an exciting game to watch and a great start to the evening that was New Years Eve. 

Thanks to Baltimore getting bounced from the playoffs, there is one team I am rooting against whole-heartedly in the first round, the Jacksonville Jaguars. Jacksonville is a team that we never seem to beat, even in Pittsburgh. Whether its Resean Mathis with a miracle pick-6 of Tommy Maddox, Maurice Jones-Drew running over our Defense, or Ben throwing his record 5 picks with myself and wife in attendance (happy anniversary, honey), the Jaguars somehow always bring us their A-game. I respect them so much they’re my alternate team in Madden, forever. Must be something about the old AFC Central Rivalry. Ben’s already planted the seed in the media that he wants his revenge against the Jags, but frankly, I’d rather not.

So if Jacksonville wins, we get them next week, and Ben gets to plot his revenge that he planted the seed of in the media last week. BUT!..If Buffalo wins..somehow..we get the winner of Kansas City vs Tennessee. 

#herewego, Lets go Buffalo!

[fourthdownsports]

Playoffs?! We predict the wildcard games, talk about coaches and revisit how bad the Browns are

[fourthdownsports]

#stlrnation- The Pittsburgh Screwjob

I have a confession to make: aside from a die hard Steeler fan, I am also a wrestling fan. The joy wrestling has brought me over the years has come close to filling the void during the off seasons between my Steelers and Cavs fandom.

Some of the big draws that brought me into wrestling are the way crowds roar during a great match or big debut, the catchy/flashy  entrances, bright colors, awesome maneuvers, and violence. Mind you, both wrestling and the NFL have some partially brain dead fans, but all of this helps the slow Monday nights and one Sunday a month when there isn’t much else to look forward to.

Another big draw? Wrestling revolves heavily around storylines. Some of the best storylines involve some infamous screwjobs and back-stabbings. And this is where I draw a few parallels to the Steelers game Sunday afternoon.

In wrestling, you always have a champion who defends the belt. Sometimes, that champion is a heel who uses underhanded tactics to keep their title. In some cases, they can even influence a referee who either sides with that wrestler or has “financially influenced” their opinion. There’s also a factor of the champion having ties with the powers at be. Regardless of the situation and your thoughts on what a catch truly is, you can see how last week’s game draws some parallels to professional wrestling.

While I definitely see the Patriots as a heel champion, I don’t really see any referee influence. I do, however, see that the Steelers got the screwjob by the NFL in this game. The call was correct as the rule states, however, it’s like this catch rule has been a big cover-up ever since the Dez Bryant catch. And the NFL has been scrambling to keep up with the senseless new catch rule that came about just a few years ago.

The rule is now a standard after they hosed the Cowboys out of the playoffs, and the NFL is not able to turn back now. The Steelers aren’t the only team to get hosed by this rule, but they are just the latest victim in an NFL cover-up for something that was a mistake upon inception. Dallas was hurt even worse, and were bounced from the playoffs  in a WWF-esque screwjob where Dez Bryant clearly made a “football move” before FUMBLING the ball. Let’s all admit it, it’s a fumble if you catch it, move, THEN drop the ball. This cannot be argued. But since Dallas, Calvin, and many others got hosed, the NFL can’t turn back. Unless they change a rule, but until then their standard  must be in place and called the same every time. A change in this call would raise the ire of other teams affected in the past. So, when Jesse James caught a ball, stretched toward the end zone, then fumbled as the ball crossed the plane, you knew the results that were coming when the booth “reviewed the catch”.  The catch rule itself sucks and needs to be changed. Simplify it, otherwise this league is going down the shitter fast.

In another story that sticks with the wrestling theme, Vince McMahon has trademarked the terms “UFL” and “XFL” in what looks to be an attempted revival of a rival league to the NFL. And this time, it could work. The XFL failed because it was too rushed, the play suffered as there was no time to organize or train and they made it too much “wrestling on the gridiron”. Since the WWE’s popularity has dropped in the mainstream media, Vinny Mac’s attempt at an alternative football league seems more humble during a time where the NFL has turned off fans who may not come back. This could be a welcomed alternative to the NFL’s oversaturated, over-officiated, and over-politicized product. Football is meant to be an escape, and Vince knows how to entertain. After learning what didn’t work, McMahon has a chance to revive the league and do it right, and I for one welcome the idea. If it works out, imagine the XFL/UFL going big time.

And this is where my mind leads me, to one ridiculous scenario that has played out in my head many times. A story that comes from an infamous WWF storyline, the Montreal Screwjob. Let’s go on a ride in the ADHD mind of Joe..

Before we begin, let’s remind you of the Montreal Screwjob’s back story:

On November 9, 1997 Brett Hart’s WWF contract was set to expire as he was defending the title in his hometown of Montreal. Upset with his role in the company and his contract situation, Brett made his dissatisfaction known. The rumors were abuzz that after the match he was set to retain against Shawn Michaels he was taking his title with him to appear on WCW with the WWF belt.

Imagine this dream scenario…

The year is 2020 and the NFL’s rules have washed out the game, leaving fans dissatisfied looking for an alternative. There is a young startup league who welcomes all franchises and offers new hope, better rules, better pay, and franchies who don’t abandon cities. The Steelers are on a white-hot streak, winning 11 straight en route to their 8th Lombardi. The team is finally fed up with the NFL’s no-tackling policy. After Bell run’s in a controversial “one hand tag” touchdown run to win the trophy, Mr Rooney takes the podium and makes an epic announcement. Standing next to Art II is Vincent Kennedy McMahon, and the Steelers are taking the Lombardi with them to defend in the XFL!

I can dream.. can’t I?

The important part of the Montreal Screwjob was that McMahon instructed referee Earl Hebner to ring the bell once Michaels had Hart in the sharpshooter although Hart didn’t submit, but imagine something as ridiculous as this happening in real life. Well, with Vince McMahon in charge, who knows…

Next week, a Christmas Day battle against Houston.

#herewego

[fourthdownsports]

What is a catch really? Joey's jets get hot after the Patriots beat the steelers and Dan finally pays up for his bet

[fourthdownsports]

#stlrnation- the comeback kid

#stlrnation, there have been many quarterbacks that have been notorious for their play in the clutch such as Favre, Elway, Manning, Young, Montana, Brady, etc. But Big Ben is currently 3rd on the all time list (43) behind Brees (44) and Brady (51), and likely has a few more years to claim his rightful throne.

Back in the 90’s, there was a player known as the “comeback kid”. The comeback kid had some notable comebacks playing quarterback for the Indy Colts in that era, yet also had some near comebacks that really stood out in my mind. The most notable to me was the 1995 AFC Championship game.

The Steelers were fresh off of a loss in the 1994 AFC title game where Neil O’Donnell’s final attempt for victory was batted down by Junior Seau. I don’t recall this game, I was a bit young to remember anything aside from my father vehemently rooting for the 9ers in the super bowl that year and forcing me to do the same. This could have been the Youngstown-Debartolo connection or the fact that the Bolts knocked off our Steelers, I digress.

That AFC title game in 1995 was my first real Steelers memory. That year, I decided that I loved football, and was able to pick my own team. To my fathers liking, I became a die-hard Steelers fan. My first real memory of a game? Watching the miracle that ensued. I remember hearing the nickname “the comeback kid” when the Colts QB drove down the field, keeping their hopes alive with seconds left of the Championship game. I remember the ball being launched into the end zone with breath held and a silent panic while the ball was tipped about the back of the end zone. I recall the faint look on my father’s face when it looked like the ball was caught by the opposition. But the one thought that I truly recall, was the feeling of pure euphoria, jumping up and down screaming as the refs made the call of incomplete, the call that launched the Steelers into the first Super Bowl I recall watching.

The comeback kid, John Harbaugh, couldn’t come through in the clutch against the Steelers. Years later, his own brother, John, is haunted by the same team that haunted his brothers nightmares in the 90s. Led by a Quarterback who is the true comeback kid.

The Steelers started off hot, scoring on 2 Bell TD’s, the first a reception after Baltimore threw a pick. The second was another Bell toll, a rush to take the 14-0 lead about halfway into the second. The game looked pretty much in the Steelers hands, however, Baltimore finally came through with a Flacco TD pass in the second, a 30 yarder to Chris Moore. The Steelers answered with a Boz FG making it 17-7, still a comfortable lead. Baltimore started feeding Collins, who went off in the game with 120yd and scored his only TD in the next possession, 17-14 good guys. Boz hit another Field Goal at the end of the half making it a nice 20-14 cushion.

The 3rd quarter is where the game started going awry, the Ravens hit a long Tucker FG, an Allen TD run, and another Flacco TD pass after 3 subsequent Steelers punts to take the lead 31-20 at the end of the 3rd. Hope was gone for many, my wife went to bed after muttering “fuck this” and I conceded that “this game wasn’t nearly as important as the New England game anyway”. I felt that a loss was evident at this point until I had an epiphany. My thought process was “well, this is for the division, maybe they’ll try” to “maybe we can do it for Shazier” to “well, we came back last week crazier things have happened”.

My Cowboys fan friend texted me condolences on the loss. After a second of hesitation and near-acceptance I replied “fuck that- its only 11 points. We’re winning this game”. Sure enough, boom-Boz field goal, boom-TD to Rosie Nix (who played like a man possessed Sunday night) and we’re down by 2.

The defense let up again, however, allowing another Javorius Allen TD at around the 7 minute mark. No worries, we have Ben and Antonio fucking Brown, who marched down the field yet again in the most clutch moments of the season thus far, leading to a Bell TD run and eventually the game-winning Boswell Field Goal, capturing the AFC North title as well as the current #1 seed in the Conference.

Next week’s matchup, the hated New England Patriots to determine the AFC’s #1 seed. I cannot wait to see who the real Comeback KING is.

#herewego

[fourthdownsports]

After the buy week the FDS guys discuss the playoff picture and the upcoming Steelers vs Patriots game

[fourthdownsports]

#Stlrnation- Unleash Hell This December

“We will unleash hell come December”. You guys remember that quote? In 2009, fresh off a super bowl victory the Steelers showed a ton of promise going into the season. They failed to meet expectations and fell into a 6-5 hole. After Tomlin’s promise of unleashing hell, the Steelers lost 2 in a row.

The first game was a 27-24 loss to the Raiders. I was in attendance, my cousin and I scored tickets from my sisters boss. It was a freezing cold day, I was so sick that I had a ginger ale and pretzel on gameday as my only meal, and our seats were row 4 at the 45 yard line behind the Raiders benc. I recall taunting Johnny Lee Higgins and him laughing, turning toward me and plugging his ears. Little did I know he’d get the last laugh as Bruce Gradkowski led the Raiders on game winning Touchdown drive in a stunning upset of the defending champs.

The next game was even worse, 13-7 loss to the Browns on a windy Thursday night. The reason I recall it being so windy? I live about an hour between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and the wind knocked out my power during the game, forcing me to find the nearest BW3. After this loss, the Steelers ran the table, just missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record. A complete embarrassment of a season coming off a super bowl win.

After that season it appeared the Steelers time had come with many older talents on the team as well as a philosophy that had seen its day in Pittsburgh. Even Steelers faithful were looking for changes. And as the tides began to roll in, the waves got bigger and bigger. The biggest wave in this tide? The 2010-2011 season Super Bowl loss to the Packers in a game where their offense was clearly outmatched, and Aaron Rodgers tore up the old secondary. The Steelers finally realized they needed a team that could adapt to the pass happy NFL.

Since then, the Steelers have adjusted in their makeup, loading up on offensive line, great pass catchers, and building one of the best pass defenses in the league. A makeover that was well needed after clinging to the likes of Troy, Kiesel, Woodley, Hines, Casey Hampton, etc. Great names. Great players. Legends. Hall of famers!. But their time had come, and the Steelers realized this.

They had to make a change, so what did they do you ask?

They adapted and did a slow refresh rather than an overhaul. The result? The Steelers are finally ready to unleash Hell in December (and through February if all holds up). And it all began in December 2009.

Last week was another amazing comeback for the Steelers, the type of win championship caliber teams oull out. Last Sunday night in Cincy we saw an example of some AFC North football, hard hitting where the Bengals bungled, Juju pulled an amazing crackback block on Burfict, AB got cheap-shotted and held on, and Boz nailed another winner. Shazier is still hospitalized and I wish him well. Juju is suspended the next game, but the crime may have been well worth the time, sending a message to the league that we are still smash mouth. Unfortunately, George iLoka (i type it like iPhone because the II looks like two L’s- sue me) won his appeal yet Juju didn’t. Whatever.

The Steelers are set to unleash Hell in  December yet again. 1-0 after this win with both divisional implications and playoff seeding on the menu. Baltimore, New England, Houston, Cleveland left to go.

Lets unleash some Hell this December.

#herewego

[fourthdownsports]

#Stlrnation- Heinz 57

StlrNation, the Steelers are officially on fire.

After another close one against a subpar opponent, the black and gold squeaked out another victory in the last second with AB’s heroics and a Boz 57 yard Heinz Field record-tying game winning FG. Although the matchups this week didn’t look great on paper, the prime time game on Sunday gave us some drama leading to the Steelers ninth win of the year, keeping pace with the Patriots for a possible #1 seed.

I have a real love-hate relationship watching prime time games to an extent. I love all the attention the game gets. I love the look of the game under the lights, the field is illuminated and glowing as well as the uniforms. The crowd usually is a bit louder at night as well, and you get all day to get tuned up for the big event of the evening. Another thing that goes with the attention and spotlight? Awesome pre-game interviews and segments that are focused on your team. I don’t like watching many pre-game shows because in all honesty, there’s one game and one teams storylines I care about, and I can get that coverage on the radio or online.

Another thing I hate you ask?The seemingly endless wait for the game to begin at 8:30.I want my football and I want it NOW! My patience sometimes comes back to bite me, but in this case I think it’s totally acceptable to demand no more than 1 weeks time between games, ON THE HOUR.

The final thing I’ll cover here in my endless rant is the fact that the games don’t end until close to midnight. Hell, Sundays game was kind of meaningless in the grander scheme, I at one point was even hoping for someone to win, regardless of team, so I could get to bed at a decent hour. This poses a problem when you’re winning, you get a lot of prime time games which means many late nights, long waits, and games that are harder to attend in person.

The greater issue I have is when a team has a winning record, and then is thrust into the prime time game spotlight the next year. In general, this is a good theory and you get some competitive games, however, sometimes teams fall from grace and you get oversaturation of a mediocre yet popular franchise bringing you shitty games to watch where it feels like the storylines of WWE RAW playing out week after week (I’m looking at you, Cowboys).

Phew, thats enough of my rant, back to the game..

The game started off with a TD pass to X-gon-give-it-to-ya Grimble for a 6-0 lead after Boz missed an extra point.he game started off hot and felt like a blowout coming, but then the Packers scored a TD in response and the Steelers and then turned on the afterburner. The Packers scored another TD after intercepting Big Ben, and the feeling turned eerily familiar .I had a feeling this game was going to be a squeaker if we come out with a win. The Steelers eventually got it together in the second with Martavis Bryant scoring a TD and AB catching the tying 2pt conversion before half.

The Packers came out of halftime strong, with Hundley connecting with Davantae Adams from 55 yards out, but I never really lost my faith in the Steelers. Well, until Ben threw another pick. Ben was intercepted in the 3rd for his 2nd of the game, and my confidence in a comeback faltered. Then Packers marched down the field and attempted a Field Goal. That they missed…and then I knew some act of God had just happened that would guarantee victory.

Down 21-14 with a new life, the Steelers went downfield lead by Ben and AB, ending with a Red Zone TD from former to latter. Tied 21-21. Packers punt, then Bell FUMBLES the ball, giving a huge opportunity to Green Bay. Luckily, the Steelers D holds after a second playing of Renegade and the Packers punt it back.

Then, heroics ensued. Bell held onto the ball, making up for his fumble with a couple of key catches to keep the drive moving. And then, Antonio fucking Brown emerged. I hardly recall watching Jerry Rice play, however, I don’t think I’ve seen a receiver so clutch in times of need. Brown scored at 33 yard TD to take the lead 28-21.

The Packers didn’t hesitate to retaliate, with Hundley leading the charge on their own 77 yard Touchdown drive, tying the game at 28.

The Steelers couldn’t muster any offense and the game appeared to be heading into overtime as the Packers had the ball around the 1:20 mark left. Then, TJ Watt sacks Hundley. The Packers next play would have been a safe bet of a run, but no, they try and pass. Unbelievable! Instead of taking your chances in Overtime, the clearly overmatched Packers show they want the win in regulation with a passing play. Granted, it was a screen, but the player heads for the sidelines and gets knocked out of bounds by Shazier, stopping the clock. This left around 40 seconds on the clock and the Steelers with 2 timeouts and 2 downs to defend. Third down? Pass up the middle stopped short of a 1st down by who? Mr clutch Ryan Shazier. With 27 seconds left the Packers have to punt.

The Steelers then resumed their offensive magic, with Antonio grabbing a spectacular sideline catch by both the tips of his fingers and toes, then another right after securing a long-shot of field goal range. From a fridge cold temperature and a Heinz 57 yards out, Chris Boswell connected on the game winner for the second time this year, and the Steelers keep pace with the Patriots for the #1 seed in the AFC playoff race.

Next game up, Monday night vs the Bengals. Try to stay awake and don’t drive yourself nuts waiting for your favorite 4 hours of the week to come, because I’m sure I will.

#herewego

[fourthdownsports]

Fourth Down Sports talks about the playoff picture, Steelers, Cowboys and Talib vs Crabtree

[fourthdownsports]

The Fourth Down Sports Thanksgiving Extravaganza Podcast!

[fourthdownsports]

#Stlrnation- Dilly Dilly Kings of the North!

Dilly, Dilly #stlrnation!

What a game! The Steelers almost lulled us all to sleep with the same red-zone issue which plagued the team all season rearing its ugly head once again. At one point, even with the lead, I was calling for Todd Haley’s head myself. But finally, the Steelers broke it open with an offensive onslaught and a number of turnovers and sacks. The Steelers finally look to be in their final form, that of a Super Bowl favorite.

The game started off with a deep ball to AB, 41 yard TD- outside of the Red Zone we score, go figure. After the hot start, I really thought this was going to be a blow out and out of control quick. I guessed the blowout correctly, but the game seemed to slow down quickly and move at a snails pace for a bit.

The Steelers moved the ball down the field between the first drive and halftime, but the Red Zone plague reared its ugly head again, causing for a 16 point half with 3 Boswell Red Zone field goals. The Steelers had a 16-7 lead, but no evidence that they’ve finally shaken the “cant get it in” mantra. After giving up 10 points in the 3rd quarter, they finally hit paydirt in the red zone.In the same manner as Charlie Conway triple deke-ing the Hawks and putting it in the net in the Mighty Ducks, Ben threw a TD to AB lifting the scoring zone curse.

Ben also had a great audible call of “Dilly, Dilly!”, in honor of the hilarious Bud Light commercials. Kudos, Ben! Dilly Dilly to you!

Later on in the game, Ben found AB multiple times more, including an incredible 1 handed ball-against-the-helmet catch that both David Tyree and AB could make. One note, AB made the same catch on the sidelines against the Ravens in the playoffs a few years back, yet the announcers only recognized Tyree’s catch- FUCK OFF COLLINSWORTH WE DID IT FIRST!

Anyway, aside from Antonio Brown’s heroics, I think the real hero’s of yesterdays game and the entire season have been this defense. 3 interceptions last night. 5 sacks. And some amazing “photo shoot” poses in homage to the teams 2008 ESPN The Magazine cover featuring the famed defense. Although the Defense has a different image than the 2008’s, I have not been this excited about a defense in years.

One low note, the absence of Mike Mitchell did show when Tennesse threw it deep, clearly a hole in the secondary exists when the hit man isn’t out looking to decapitate a defenseless receiver, maybe I’ll take it back and miss him more than I thought. The absence I thought would have more impact actually turned out the other way, as the absence of Joe Haden was hardly felt. Sensabaugh had an interception and a solid outing. Artie Burns had a great game and Mike Hilton is another great Free Agent pickup. Aside from Burns, the Secondary consists of Hilton, Sensabaugh, Haden,and Mitchell who were all SIGNED NOT DRAFTED by the Steelers. We don’t sign Free Agents, eh?

What a great win for the Steelers, 40-17 final. It was a game where the offense finally caught up with the defenses production, Antonio Brown returned to form, and Ben looked like 30 instead of 35. If they keep playing like this, I can see another crown for Ben and the Kings of the AFC North, and to that I think we can all say Dilly Dilly!

#herewego

#pittsburgh steelers #SteelerNation #steelers #stlrnation #dillydilly

[fourthdownsports]

#Stlrnation- Color Rush

Last week, we saw another close game from the Steelers against a sub-par opponent. Luckily, this week brings a bit of a tougher opponent, and hopefully the Steelers can step up to the challenge against the Titans come Thursday night. In honor of Color Rush, I wanted to skip the normal game review/preview and give you something unique this week.I present to you the Official Steelers Jersey Rankings! Stlr Nation, we are blessed with some of the best jerseys in the NFL. Granted, some of us (myself included) wish the block letters would replaced the “modern” italicized #’s. Either way, imagine if we had one of the newly redone Nike jerseys such as the Jaguars, Bucs, or Browns. Too much neon, too much stlyling= way overdone.

Classic jerseys work well. I say bring back the days of the classic 80’s creamsicle Buccaneers jerseys. Some of the best NFL Jerseys? Cowboys, Packers, Raiders. Cheifs, and Steelers. Simple, understated, and classic.

Given that we have some of the best threads in the NFL, lets rank the top 5 

Steelers Jerseys:

#1- “Block #’s” (70s-90s) Block letters. Classic. Clean. Stripes on the arms, logo on one side of the helmet. Gray facemasks, yellow pants with the black stripe. Doesn’t get any better. Too bad Iowa football completely stole this look and now is the team still rocking the blocks.

#2- “The Batman Jerseys” or “Caped Crusaders”:A fan favorite and very rare. ¾ sleeve jerseys need to make a comeback in the Northern parts of the US. Best Browns jersey? ¾ sleeve Jim Brown with the block #’s and the stripes. Beats wearing an NFL ugly sweater to the Christmas day game. And the Steelers ¾ sleeve look is awesome as well. Block #’s, black color with a yellow “Batman” logo looking block across the top. One of the coolest jerseys made in my opinion.

#3- Steelers 75th Anniversary Throwbacks:Awesomeness. Just pure awesomeness. Reminded me of the current “Color Rush” but with a different sleeve stripe, white pants, and a yellow helmet. PLEASE BRING THESE BACK AS AN ALTERNATE! Mr Rooney? Please?

#4-  "The Flag Logo" (1994 NFL 75th anniversary throwback):This has to be one of the oddest jerseys the Steelers wore, but in a way it is one of the most awesome. The jersey looked like a soccer/ rugby jersey with the vertical stripes and the emblem from the city flag on the front. Bright yellow and the stripes looked like something taped on with electrical tape in the way it shined. Another rare jersey that you don’t see much around the stadium. If they brought these back, you’d need either white or black pants. These faces the same issue as the “Bumblebee” jersey: tan pants.

#5- “Italicized” (current uniform):Look, theres no doubt that the league has evolved. In the evolution, styles changed greatly. Some teams made some drastic uniform changes, some made minor, some not at all. The Steelers went the minor route. This gave the team a sleeker/ faster/ up-to-date look and symbolized the change of the guard into a new era of Steelers football. It was time to move on from the 70’s. It was time for Cowher to cement his legacy and win the one for the thumb. 

Why not try something different to make your own legacy? To move on from the golden age and into the modern age.  It worked for the Steelers, but has the look seen its day?

It may just be time to bring back the classics and remember their legacy which has been cemented all along, as the greatest franchise in the NFL.

#herewego! 

[fourthdownsports]

Bye bye bye- remembering some obscure Steelers

Steeler Nation, as you are well aware, we have had a hell of a run with some Hall of Fame caliber players: Joe Greene, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward, Gregg Lloyd, Kevin Greene, Terry, Ben, Joey Porter, Jack  Lambert, Jerome.... Jerome Bettis is my hero!  I once met him at the airport and forced my way into a photo with him using an ex-girlfriend's military return as the excuse!!

I digress..

There will always be the fan favorites. The legends. The Troy Polamalu's of the world. But for as many legends Steeler Nation has seen some truly unique characters throughout the years. Some long forgotten or overlooked due to the legends before us. This is a tribute to some of the more obscure Steelers..

1. Yancey Thigpen: This wide receiver was a quick deep threat who was always an under-the-radar type of player. Never really a household name nationally, however, a solid wide-out. Why did I enjoy him so much, you ask? Well, first would be his charisma. I recall Yancey on multiple occasions being a real "crowd starter" by pulling out a Terrible Towel from his pants after scoring a TD. You want to drive 67,000 folks in Pittsburgh to a frenzy in Three Rivers Stadium to the point of shaking? Pull out the fans "flag" and let them know your'e with them. Bonus thought: NFL Blitz 2001. In 2001 Yancey was a member of the nearly unstoppable Tennessee Titans. In Blitz, he was their most consistent wideout who was reliable, quick, and never fumbled the ball.

2. DeAngelo Williams: D-will was a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, even though he was a backup to arguably the leagues best back in Le'veon Bell. For personal reasons (he did reply to my Welcome to Pittsburgh Instagram post with a "thanks man!") D-will will always remain a favorite of mine. DeAngelo is a bit outspoken with opinions that may be controversial, but is a solid dude. Any Steeler player who is into wrestling, road bikes, video games, horror movies, and the Ninja Turtles is OK with this millennial.

3. John "Frenchy" Fuqua: I was not personally alive when Frenchy played, however, I have seen his Goldfish tank platform shoes in the Steelers Great Hall at Heinz Field. I applaud anyone who is that outlandish fashionably.

4. Kordell Stewart (pre 1997): Ah, the days of "Slash" of yore. Remember when Kordell used to line up in the punt formation? You never knew if he was going to throw it, punt, or take off running. Hell, he may have passed to himself a time or two back there! Slash was an amazing weapon at QB, but was probably even more effective being utilized in multiple roles as WR/RB/KR/QB/P/HC/whatever.

So there ya go, a list of some random players that really made a lasting impression on my mind. 

This week's opponent is the Luckless Colts in Indy. The game doesn't seem to post much of a challenge to be honest, I would expect a tight game and the Steelers squeak out a win, par for the course when playing clearly overmatched teams for the Steelers. Otherwise, the black and gold could be on the national media's shit list once again, falling into obscurity. 

#herewego #SteelerNation #steelers #stlrnation #deangelo williams #yancey thigpen #kordell stewart #frenchy #slash